After Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar formed a government in Goa this March, Dabolim’s B.J.P. M.L.A. Mauvin Godinho was allotted the Panchayat Department. Since then, he evinced eagerness in comprehending the nuances of his portfolio and is endeavouring to deliver. His maiden accomplishment was successful conduct of panchayat elections. The Minister shares his plans and much more in the course of an interaction with Correspondent Anil Kumar Mishra
Q. Subsequent to your assuming charge, the panchayat elections took place. How was the experience?
A. The first task entrusted to me was conducting those polls, which involved delimitation as well as reservation of wards – an extremely sensitive issue. To a considerable extent and to the satisfaction of the majority, we were able to evolve consensus among the people handling this and – with some discussion with stakeholders – we were in a position to coordinate the elections smoothly with a fine reservation policy. 20 wards were earmarked for S.C.s. Reservation was already in existence for O.B.C.s and S.T.s but not S.C.s. We used to nominate them wherever they were predominant but such representatives enjoyed no voting right. If required, I will make efforts to amend the Panchayati Raj Act to guarantee smoother functioning.